Day 11 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup sees two games from Group H and one game from Group G.
Group H favourites Belgium and Russia will kick-off the day when they face one another at the famous Estadio Maracana before South Korea and Algeria go head to head at Porto Alegre, and finally Portugal and the USA will face each other in Manaus.
Belgium vs. Russia
After coming back from behind to beat Algeria in Belo Horizonte, the Red Devils will face their toughest task in Group H as they take on Fabio Capello’s Russia.
Marc Wilmots will be sweating over captain Vincent Kompany’s fitness after a groin injury he endured three days prior to the Russia clash, especially when coming up against the likes of Aleksandr Kokorin and Aleksandr Kerzhakov.
Fabio Capello on the other hand will be looking to gain all three points and go top of Group H after the Sbornaya managed to salvage a draw against South Korea in their previous game.
Despite his experience, much has been said about Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev after his error against the Taegeuk Warriors which resulted in South Korea’s opening goal; and there has been a lot of talk about Capello dropping the CSKA Moscow man.
The Belgians will certainly be looking to capitalise on the insecurity surrounding the goalkeeping position and use it to their benefit.
South Korea vs. Algeria
The Fennec Foxes enter the game in Porto Alegre knowing that a defeat puts an end to their 2014 World Cup campaign.
In the previous game, Vahid Halilhodzic’s men took a surprise lead against the Belgians through Sofiane Feghouli but finished the game empty handed as they conceded two goals in quick succession.
The Bosnian coach said in the post-match press conference that his side lack fitness which could be a real problem against a side like South Korea who are known for their high fitness levels.
Hong Myung-bo’s men on the other hand will be willing to build on from that draw against Russia which saw them go one goal up before Kerzhakov netted an equaliser.
Portugal vs. United States
To be or not to be is the slogan in which the players of the Seleccao will enter the game against the United States. A loss will most certainly end their World Cup campaign.
After losing the first game against Germany 4-0, a win against the United States would boost the side’s morale heading into the final group game against Ghana.
Star man Cristiano Ronaldo is set to start against the USA despite his ongoing knee issue; after Pepe’s sending off and Fabio Coentrao’s World Cup-ending hamstring injury, Ronaldo starting will be a major boost for Paulo Bento’s men.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s men on the other hand are fresh from a 2-1 win against Ghana; the win did not only provide the much needed three points, but it will act as a major morale booster.
A win for the United States will guarantee their progression to the Round of 16, and Klinsmann will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing a side which endured an excruciating defeat in the previous match.
